Unconventional Paths Can Lead to Dreams Come True

For every creative soul embarking on the rollercoaster journey of becoming a published children’s author, the path is woven with threads of adaptation and the unwavering perseverance to never give up.

Today, I’m thrilled to share my story with you as inspiration because, often, we find ourselves confined to a single pathway towards our goals. However, the reality, my friends, is that our journeys, intertwined with opportunities and timing, echo the sentiment that success isn’t confined to a solitary path but dances through diverse roots.

In the vast expanse of publishing, a common belief echoes — that the only doorway to traditional publishing swings open through literary representation. While I firmly believe that good literary agents are worth their weight in gold, I recognize that the journey to securing one can be a formidable challenge for many.

As such, it’s crucial to know that an alternative route to traditional publishing exists — directly securing a book deal with a publishing house. Yes, it’s not the norm and comes with its own intricacies, but success stories like mine stand as vibrant proof that unconventional paths can lead to dreams come true.

My journey to publication began to take form in the summer of 2020, a season marked by profound grief, introspection, and renewal following the loss of my beloved Mamá. Despite a thriving finance career spanning over two decades, it was her legacy of courage that sparked a flame within me, serving as a poignant reminder of my lifelong dream — to share stories that capture the beauty of my culture and heritage with the world.

Previously, I had taken creative writing courses and worked tirelessly on my craft, whilst balancing my day job. I even followed “protocol” by attending numerous children’s books conferences to refine my skills and queried various literary agents, but doors didn’t open (I now believe it was divine timing). However, my unwavering dedication to traditional publishing stood resolute.

Enter LatinxPitch…

In September 2020, the discovery of #LatinxPitch (an online pitching event that celebrates the rich tapestry of kidlit talents within the Hispanic community) on Twitter marked a pivotal moment in my writing journey. It’s a place where dreams are nurtured, connections are forged, and voices are heard—a testament to the enduring power of storytelling within our community!

LatinxPitch realized my dream of representing Puerto Rican heritage through my writing by allowing me to be discovered by my fabulous editor, Naomi Kruger from Beaming Books, and the rest, as they say, is history.

A special thank you goes out to the gifted illustrator, Juan Manuel Moreno, of The Tree Of Hope. Gratitude also extends to the entire team at Beaming Books—sales, marketing, publicity, editing, and countless others—who played a crucial role in championing and supporting my book. It takes a village!

Now, a word of truth — being published without an agent introduces nerve-wracking moments, particularly in navigating book deals. I had to do my own research and confidently negotiate a few terms in my contract. Thankfully, I leveraged the benefits of being a member of the Society of Authors who provided indispensable advice on my contract. 

With one published book under my belt (and many manuscripts on my desktop), my passion for storytelling not only endures but continues to evolve as I actively refine my craft. While the journey of securing a book deal directly with a publishing house has been rewarding, I’m eagerly anticipating the prospect of finding a literary agent to join me on this exciting journey and become my “partner in crime” – in the most positive and creative sense possible! : )

Before wrapping up, I want to extend my gratitude to #PBRisingStars for empowering diverse voices through mentorship. 

Special thanks to Ebony Lynn Mudd and Kailie Pew for their unwavering dedication and support, along with the exceptional mentorship provided by Lissette Norman. Your collective guidance has propelled me forward on my ever-expanding journey of storytelling and growth!

Finally, I’d like to share a few tips I’ve learned along the way:

1. Hone Your Craft:

Read, read, and then read some more. Work on your writing, take online writing courses, learn about the industry through organizations such as the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). Seek mentors and programs like #PBRisingStars to guide and support you!

2. Educate Yourself About the Industry & do your Research:

Invest time in learning about the publishing industry. Understand the various publishing paths available (traditional, self-publishing, hybrid) and research which one aligns with your goals. 

Remember, not all publishers accept direct submissions, so conduct thorough market research to identify suitable publishers and follow their submission guidelines meticulously. And of course, explore organizations and/or events that offer opportunities to pitch your stories and amplify your voice!

3. Perfect Your Manuscript(s):

Ensure your work is polished. This can be achieved by hiring a book editor, joining a critique group, and/ or seeking mentorship.

4. Build A Supportive Network:

I am eternally grateful to SCBWI, SOA, Las Musas, and #PBRisingStars for allowing me to build a network with creators who are passionate about creating a more equitable world where children can see themselves reflected. Not only have they all been great resources of knowledge, but also of inspiration and friendship. Having a supportive community can make a significant difference in your journey as a children’s author.

5. Believe in Yourself:

Don’t forget that rejection is redirection. Every rejection letter, every closed door, is NOT a testament to your inadequacy as a creative, but an invitation to refine, reshape, and grow. The stories of perseverance and eventual triumph are woven into the fabric of literary history.

Rejection is Redirection.

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So, friends, in this symphony of words, let our stories be the compass that us. Embrace the unpredictability, trust the process, and let the melody of your narrative resonate with the hearts of readers worldwide. 

Remember, your journey is unique, your voice is needed, and your dreams are within reach!

…

Originally published with PBRising Stars, this blog post has been repurposed for my author blog.

The original post can be found at https://www.pbrisingstars.com/blog/debutingwithoutanagent

You can learn more about THE TREE OF HOPE and secure your copy by visiting: https://linktr.ee/annaorensteincardona

Anna Orenstein-Cardona, Author & Certified Financial Educator

Anna Orenstein-Cardona is a bilingual Certified Financial Educator (CFEI), Wealth Coach, and Children’s Author. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, she graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and spent over two decades working in finance in the USA and Europe, before turning to writing for children. 

Her debut picture book, The Tree of Hope, was published in 2022 by Beaming Books and was awarded a STAR by the School Library Journal. It was also recognized as one of the “Best Children’s Book of the Year – 2023 edition” by Bank Street College of Education.

Anna shares her passion for financial literacy, creativity, and empowerment through her financial education & coaching business Wear Your Money Crown®. 

You can learn more about Anna and her Author work at www.annaorensteincardona.com or follow her on Instagram (@wearyourmoneycrown) and Twitter (@BoricuaAnna).